Inaugural Pueblo Restaurant Week set for February

All four Pueblo County Sheriff K-9 teams have been awarded nationally recognized recertification from the American Law Enforcement Canine Association after completing canine trials in November.
The recognition included K-9 Gunner and handler Lt. Josh Rude, K-9 Edo and handler Sgt. Ben Martinez, K-9 Zeus and handler Deputy Chris Carter; and K-9 Loki with hander Deputy David Weldon. All four dog teams passed the narcotics detection portion of the trials with Edo and Martinez recording the fastest time among 11 teams, according to a press release.
Pueblo County teams also passed the protection and civil tracking trials.
“We are extremely proud of our K9s and their handlers for the work they have done to maintain these prestigious certifications, which also enhances the credibility of our dogs,” said Pueblo County Sheriff David Lucero. “Maintaining such a high level of performance from these dogs requires consistent training and practice.”

SoCo Economic Development launching Scale Up Business program
The Southern Colorado Economic Development District is launching a “Scale Up Your Business” program that will help business owners strengthen their marketing and business plans and develop a customer base.
The two-year program will provide access to mentoring opportunities, a regional small business incubator program, and business development resources such as support, education, virtual workshops, and networking.
“This unique opportunity provides small business owners with training and resources that are critical to establishing their business and developing their customer base, thus positioning them for future success,” said Leslie Mastroianni, executive director for Southern Colorado Economic Development District.Interested participants are invited to apply for the program via the district’s website at scedd.com. Applications are due by 5 p.m., Jan. 3.
Pueblo West names deputy district managers
Pueblo West Metro District District Manager Christian Heyn has selected two deputy district managers to help him oversee district services.
Katrina Peter has been named chief administrative officer. Peter has served as district clerk in recent years and will oversee the human resources, finance, business administration and district clerk departments.
Brian Egging has been named chief operating officer. Egging spent more than two decades serving as a U.S. Navy officer and most recently worked for Goldbug as a director of its outbound supply chain. He will oversee the fire, parks and recreation, utilities and operational support departments.
Pueblo folklorico dance group awarded state grant
Grupo Folklorico Del Pueblo has been awarded a $3,000 grant from the Colorado Creative Industries division of the state economic development office.
Grupo Folklorico del Pueblo’s “Dance Exchange Conference” will allow folklorico dance students to learn from other dance instructors and directors from around the state. The award is part of a Folk and Traditional Arts Project Grants program designed to help preserve, celebrate and document the local artistic traditions and heritage of unique Colorado communities.
The grant is funded in part by a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.
Pueblo Restaurant Week to spotlight local eateries in February
Visit Pueblo and the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo are gearing up for the inaugural Pueblo Restaurant Week, a campaign celebrating Pueblo’s vibrant dining scene and inviting patrons to indulge in the unique flavors of the region.
Starting Jan. 13 and leading up to the official event from Feb. 1-10, the campaign will spotlight participating restaurants with special promotions, new and signature menu items, and farm-to-table experiences. Pueblo Restaurant Week Bingo Cards, available to pick up at each participating restaurant, will allow patrons to earn stamps when they spend $25 at participating locations.
Complete bingo cards, with a full horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line can be turned in at the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce for a chance to win a $500 cash prize and gift cards from participating restaurants. The event is designed to bolster Pueblo’s local economy and bring the community together through food.
The deadline to sign up is Jan. 6 at the Pueblo Restaurant Week website, visitpueblo.org/pueblo-restaurant-week, or via email at [email protected] or call 719-542-1704.

Pueblo Parade of Lights results
The Pueblo Downtown Association has named the winners of its Nov. 30 Parade of Lights in Pueblo.
Here are the winners:
- Judge’s Choice: Pueblo Regional Building Department
- Best Spirit: Pueblo County High School
- Best Band: Central High School Band
- Best Original Design: Zimmerman’s Body Shop
- Best Use of Lights: Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office
- Best Corporate Entry: Ultimate Performance
- Best Decorated: Pueblo County 4-H
- Best Decorated Vehicle 1970 or older: Low & Slow
- Best Decorated Vehicle 1971 or newer: Nemesis Racing
- Best Decorated Entry Featuring Animals: Humane Society of Pueblo Animal Law Enforcement
Sangre De Cristo Arts Center seeking performance partners for 2025
Performance artists, theater groups, performance producers, student groups and more are invited to apply for the Sangre De Cristo Arts Center 2025 Performance Partnership Program.
The program allows groups to use the venue without having to pay to rent it. The center will offer a gateshare system where the producer and the venue work together to support the success of the project.
By offering rehearsal and performance space, along with front-of-house/ticketing and marketing support, the center can help performance groups make dreams a reality. Each application is free to submit and will be evaluated by the programming team.
All mediums will be considered. To apply visit sdc-arts.org.
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